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Exploring the Mind | When Counting Doesn't Count: The Development of Math Skills in Young Children
For decades schools have struggled with how to teach and increase the learning of mathematics in children. It has been the focus of multiple federal programs and funding agency (NSF, NIH, IES, Gates Foundation) initiatives. Even with all of this focus and research dollars, we see very few changes in children increasing their ability in mathematics especially in foundational skills like fractions.
At this event Pam Davis-Kean, Professor of Psychology at the Institute for Social Research, reviewed her research over the last few years trying to understand the developmental pathways of math achievement. She explored both individual characteristics (self-concept) and contextual influences (parenting, socioeconomic status) that may relate to the early development of math skills. Throughout the talk, the issue of whether or not counting is an important skill as children enter into schooling was discussed, as well as how math skills prior to formal schooling predict college attendance.
About Dr. Pam Davis-Kean: